The objective of this project was to remove the existing external granite façade to the front of a central London office building entrance and replace it with a new limestone façade while the offices remained operational.

The project was undertaken over an eight week period to February 2009. The area was approximately 200m2 with an overall height of 15m, which included flank walls to adjacent properties.

The lower section of the new limestone façade is sloped forward at two different angles, with the steeper stone face shaped to form an arched ‘scallop’ over the entrance door. The plinths were produced from Portuguese Viseu granite and the cladding above from Bowers Basebed from Portland.

The design and manufacture of the curved portico stones, entailed a high level of expertise by the design office and masons in the factory.

Installation of the stonework to the sloping sections around the scallop was a particular challenge as the stones faced down as they were positioned.